AES New York 2013Project Studio Expo Session

Master Your Tracks: DIY Results to Compete with the Pros

Abstract:Mastering is the final step prior to duplication, and as such, represents the last opportunity to make any final tweaks to a piece of music for highest sonic quality—and maximum transportability among playback systems. Traditionally, musicians have used professional mastering engineers in order to take advantage of their experience and ears, but in today’s tight economy—and with the advent of tools that allow for “do-it-yourself” mastering—many musicians are choosing to do their own mastering. This workshop describes the pitfalls and advantages of “project mastering” as well as the main mistakes to avoid but primarily emphasizes practical techniques that can bring out the very best in a piece of music. It also covers the process of album assembly and how to make sure the music in a collection or album provides a smooth, cohesive listening experience.